Revision as of 13:16, 3 February 2010

Contents

Overview

Fiber analysis is an established method of determining fiber contents and digestibility of animal feeds and forages. When the steps are performed in a sequential manner, fiber analysis also provides estimates of hemicellulose and cellulose contents. The steps are: (1) neutral detergent fiber (NDF), (2) acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL).

Add heated rinse water to jars (split evenly between jars) and rotate jars in Daisy incubator while heating next rinse in microwave.

Repeat rinses until water is neutral pH. Check this using pH paper and compare to nanopure water for reference. Should require 5 rinses. After 1st rinse, water can be disposed of down drain with running water.

After final rinse is complete, remove bags from jars (do 1 batch at a time so they do not get mixed together). Gently squeeze bags (4-6 at a time) to remove excess water.

Remove bags from oven and place immediately in zip-loc bags (flatten to remove air) and into dessicator. After cool (~30 min), record ADL bag weight using appropriate analytical balance. Proceed with ash content determination.

Notes

ALWAYS add acid to water and work in fume hood when making 72% sulfuric acid